What is avoidant personality disorder (AvPD)?
Per the American Psychiatric Association, AvPD is a “pattern of extreme shyness, feelings of inadequacy and extreme sensitivity to criticism. People with avoidant personality disorder may be unwilling to get involved with people unless they are certain of being liked, be preoccupied with being criticized or rejected, or may view themselves as not being good enough or socially inept.”
It is thought that AvPD is a more severe form of social phobia. AvPD can affects one’s career choices and performance, avoidance of social and family gatherings, performance in school, and have a severe impact on personal and romantic relationships.
The irony of living with AvPD is that we crave social interactions but because of the unique symptoms of this disorder, we in the very sense of the term avoid any social interaction.
Day to day life of living with AvPD:
This can vary among individuals with AvPD but more or less, we find ourselves stuck at home avoiding the joys of going to the movies, strolling the mall, going bowling or even doing simple things like taking a walk in the park. Do I crave these outings with friends and family members? With a passionate loud, YES! I very much do. I hate missing out on social interactions because I am…